Kroo Bay

Sierra Leone

Kroo Bay is the largest and most hazardous slum in Sierra Leone. Hundreds of abandoned children roam the garbage-laden paths and sewers, searching through the trash for scraps to sell so that they can eat. Our program will provide vocational training in batik fabric dyeing, t-shirt and sign screen printing, embroidery and crochet. We will also offer drama workshops focusing on child rights education, AIDS awareness, and peaceful conflict resolution. Further training will be offered through our apprenticeship and teacher training programs.

In Kroo Bay, many children engage in criminal activity just to survive. Some are purposefully caught by the police so that they can have a safe place to sleep and daily meals at the juvenile detention facility. The rate of recidivism under these circumstances is incredibly high. Our program at the juvenile detention facility will begin in conjunction with our program at the Kroo Bay community Center. We will offer workshops in the practical arts and vocational training in batik and screen-printing. Each student will leave the facility with a packet of supplies, and the skills they need to start their new lives on the right track.